Blog: Nutrition and Exercise for Health and Weight Control

The health benefits of olive oil are well substantiated by research and are due to a number of factors, including the type of fat (monosaturated) and antioxidant content. Additionally, there are a number of different types and grades of olive oil and only certain ones are protective. In Mediterranean countries where people use this oil as their primary fat and eat little meat, there are much lower rates of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Cardio-Protective

Studies reveal that when particles of LDL cholesterol contain monounsaturated fat from olive oil, they have greater resistance to becoming oxidized by free radicals and being converted into sticky lipid peroxides. Since only lipid peroxides are able to adhere to artery walls, protecting cholesterol molecules from oxidation is critical to reducing risk for cardiovascular disease. (more…)

Along with all the joys of the holiday season, there can also be a great deal of stress and the maladies that accompany. Ginger’s long history of multiple health and culinary uses merits its greater use in our daily lives as we seek natural remedies to everyday ills.

Tummy Troubles

Next time you have an aching head or upset stomach, have a cup of ginger tea. It’s been known to help relieve numerous stress-related ailments including headache and sour stomach. Ginger is also able to ease symptoms of food poisoning including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In our family, we enjoy a flavorful tea made by Twinnings called Herbal Revive. It contains lemon and ginger in addition to some herbs. (more…)

This is our family’s most treasured recipe for banana bread. It’s very moist and includes raisins and nuts. We always double it.

Most of my children prefer the taste of white flour over whole wheat. Recently, a new flour called White Wheat has appeared in supermarkets. It’s made from a wheat berry that is light colored and milder in flavor than ordinary wheat. Publix market has it in the King Arthur brand.

White wheat looks and tastes pretty much the same as refined flour, but has more nutrition. This is an easy way to sneak whole grain flour into your family’s diet. White wheat is slightly heavier due to its higher fiber content, but not enough to matter. (more…)